By News and Media Relations

By Ramiro Coronado

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – OCT.  17, 2024 – The UTRGV Office for Sustainability recently hosted the annual Campus Sustainability Day in Edinburg and Brownsville, an event designed to highlight the university’s commitment to sustainable practices across campuses.

Celebrated Oct. 9 at Edinburg Campus Quad Lawn and Oct. 10 at the Brownsville Campus Main Courtyard, the day drew students, faculty and staff to from a variety of departments, student organizations and local environmental groups. Participants had access to informational tables and were able to interact with the campus community through hands-on activities and awareness initiatives.

UTRGV Agroecology, the School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences (SEEMS) and UTRGV Student Accessibility Services showcased their ongoing work addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability across the Rio Grande Valley.

INSPIRING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

SEEMS held demonstrations to showcase natural filtration processes that can purify water. Sarah Hardage, SEEMS lecturer III, said the experiments show how Earth can naturally filter and transform water into something people can drink.

 “It’s an incredible way to show how nature offers solutions to some of the environmental challenges we’re working to solve,” she said.

Gaby Agredano from Bin-less – a local business focused on minimizing single-use plastics and making personal hygiene products – said the company’s goal is to help the community find ways to reduce waste.

"My main goal is to reduce plastic waste because it contaminates soil and water. I encourage everyone to use reusable containers and buy products with compostable packaging," Agredano said.

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) shared helpful resources at the Campus Sustainability Day event, working to help facilitate equal access to university programs and services.

The office handed out informational materials about their services, provided engaging activities, and distributed swag like fidget toys, pens and band-aid holders.

Jarlin Chavez, an SAS graduate assistant, said their efforts align with the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

“We help students at UTRGV receive accommodations for disabilities, including mental health,” Chavez said. “This also contributes to SDG Goal 3, focusing on good health and well-being.”

For more information about UTRGV’s sustainability efforts and upcoming events, visit the Office for Sustainability’s website, Facebook and Instagram.